It is difficult to read Preston Avenue’s industrial past within its current condition. By the turn of the 19th century, Charlottesville had 79 local industries, including textiles, lumber milling, and book publishing. In 1916, the city annexed the land along Preston Ave. Through the Zoning Ordinance of 1929, areas in and around African American residential areas was zoned suitable for businesses and industrial uses, resulting in the establishment of a dairy, a laundry, and a baking company. Over time, these businesses evolved and changed, with new businesses moving into historic buildings that once served a different purpose. Preston Ave. remains an urban in between, as new economic developments, such as Kardinal hall, Timbercreek Market, and a microbrewery are entering a historically layered space. The future of Preston Ave. seems unpredictable. This article offers a quick profile of some of the buildings along Preston Ave., in the hopes of making its history more evident, as well as identifying key players within the corridor.

Legal Aid Justice CenterIn 1941, what is now the Legal Aid Justice Center was the Columbia Baking Company. The bakery closed in 1966, replaced by Bruton & Company, a barber and beautician supply business. In 2002, the Legal Aid and Justice, which provides legal representation for low-income residents, bought the building. Originally located downtown, the Center decided to move to this location in order to be closer to the population they were serving, rather than the courts. The Center also renovated the Holt House (also known as the Rock House), which belonged to Charles B. Holt. Holt was born to former slaves and managed to achieve home ownership by building his own house. Holt House stands a symbol for many people within the community who are facing adversity and difficulties.

The LaundryIn 1930-1934, City Laundry, a large industrial business, established itself on Preston Ave. Along with the dairy and the baking company, the laundry was part of industrial development that followed the 1929 zoning ordinance. Currently, Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters occupies this space.

been home to a jail, as well as Cox’s Row, an African American neighborhood that was destroyed along with Vinegar Hill by Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority in 1958.

The DairyThe Monticello Dairy was constructed around 1937, supplying Charlottesville with milk, ice cream, butter, and other dairy products. Today, the buildings houses Three Notch’d Brewing Company and Harvest Moon Catering. The original elements of the building are still very recognizable. McGrady’s Irish Pub is located within an addition that was added more recently.

Region 10Region 10 provides mental health, intellectual disability, and substance use services for Charlottesville and the surrounding counties. Originally established in 1969, it was known as the “Charlottesville-Albemarle Community Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services Board.” Along with the Legal Aid Justice Center, Region 10 is located at a critical point within the community.

Coca-Cola BuildingConstruction for the Coca-Cola Building began in 1939, at which time the area was largely residential. The Coca-Cola Building is one of many Art Deco style examples in Charlottesville, along with Mono Loco and Richmond Camera, making it historically important due to its industrial past and architectural style. Originally a bottling operation, the warehouse became a distribution operation in the 1980s. Additions were built over time, as well as residences east of the plant. In 1944, Coca-Cola purchased the houses next to the plant, offering their employees housing nearby. In 2012, an adaptive reuse project for the building began, led by Riverbend Development. Currently, Timbercreek Market and Kardinal Hall are housed here.

King LumberKing Lumber Company established itself in Charlottesville in 1909, acting as a lumber processing and distribution center, becoming the city’s largest employer. The company closed in the 1930’s, apparently due to the Great Depression. When the property was purchased in 1933, it became a warehouse to store plumbing and heating, after which it passed through several different hands. Today, King Lumber Partners, LLC is renovating the warehouse to serve as an office space. So far, the renovated space will house a software development company, a civil engineering firm, and a chiropractor. Additionally, a microbrewery will be moving in the building adjacent to the King Lumber building.

The CrossingThe Crossing is Charlottesville’s first permanent housing development for formerly homeless individuals. Along with offering studio apartments, the Crossing offers supportive services for its residents to help them to improve their livelihoods. The Crossing is located within walking distances of a variety of services located on Preston Ave., including the Legal Aid Justice Center and Region 10. Not only is the Crossing a major player socially, its sustainable solar electric system is also remarkable.

City YardThe city yard was originally the site of the city’s gas works. Today, it houses the Charlottesville Public Works Administration Building. Unbeknownst to most, Schenk’s Branch runs underneath the site. Historically, the city yard has ​​​